Dress Code Information

In June 2005, a committee was formed to review the District’s dress code. Headed by co-chairpersons and Board of Education members Maureen Bowers and Chris Farrell, the committee, which was comprised of administration, parents, students, and teachers, reviewed the District’s dress code in an effort to more clearly define the policy. Together, the committee reviewed and made their recommendations to the Board of Education to present a clearer and well-defined dress code. On Thursday, August 18, 2005 the Educational Community Standard of Dress was approved by the Board of Education.

There were too many vague references in the previous dress code that made it difficult for the students and teachers to interpret.

According to Gerard M. Gretzinger, superintendent for Kingston City Schools, “The District now has a clearer definition of the Standard of Dress so that everyone in our educational community knows how one should dress for an educational setting. We have made it very easy to understand what our expectations are.”

The newly adopted Standard of Dress, which is listed below, goes into effect with the opening of school in September.

Educational Community Standard of Dress

The Kingston City School District recognizes that decisions regarding dress and grooming require a careful balance of the right of self-expression against the District’s obligations to ensure an appropriate educational environment for the provision of the health, safety, and welfare of the school community. It is within the responsibility of the Board of Education to set a standard of dress appropriate for our educational community. In order to be certain that these provisions are reflective of the community standards, they have been developed collaboratively with teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

This Standard of Dress is to be followed in school and on school grounds during regular school hours and at school functions, whether or not on school premises. The principal or his/her designee may waive application of parts of the Dress Standard for special events.

Members of the educational community are expected to be clean and well groomed in their appearance. They represent our District and community, but more importantly, each represents himself or herself as an individual. Teachers, District personnel, and parents should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting.

The following are deemed to be inappropriate, either because they interfere with the health and safety of our students and staff, or because they are not appropriate to the educational setting, or are disruptive to the educational process:

• Any dress or appearance which is vulgar, obscene, libelous, or advocates discrimination or denigrates others on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

• Any dress or appearance which advocates or encourages illegal activities, violent crimes, or gang related activity and/or colors

• Headwear: Caps, doo-rags, bandanas, sports caps, stocking caps, visors, hoods of hooded sweatshirts – This does not include hair adornment of a utilitarian nature (barrettes, hair bands, scrunchies), or headwear worn for religious or medical reasons.

• Jewelry: jewelry which can injure the student or others.

• Sunglasses

• Shirts (including blouses and tops): With messages that encourage or advocate sexual activity, the use of illegal drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco; shirts, blouses, and tops which extend below the fingertips either at the sleeve or in overall length; SHOULDER STRAPS MUST BE THE WEARER’S SECOND AND THIRD FINGERS OR MORE IN WIDTH; exposure of bare midriffs, backs, or cleavage (front and back), e.g., halter tops, strapless tops.

• Skirts/Shorts/Pants: Skirts, shorts, and pants with inappropriate messages/sayings on the rear of the clothing. Skirts, shorts, and skirt slits shorter than one inch beyond the wearer’s fingertips;

• Outerwear: Any form or article of clothing designed primarily for outdoor use while attending class or before/after school indoor activities (e.g., parkas, rain or trench coats, vests, jackets, gloves, mittens).

• Sleepwear/Undergarments: Visible undergarments; Sleepwear, including bedroom slippers, and any dress similar in nature to sleepwear.

• Inappropriate Spandex Clothing

• Bathing Suits

In Addition to the above the following apply:

• Footwear: Footwear must be worn at all times to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. (Flip-flops are permitted).

• Backpacks: Backpacks/luggage are not permitted to be carried in the hallways during the school day. Stringbags and purses are permitted.

• Protective Clothing: Students must be dressed in appropriate clothing and protective equipment as required for physical education classes, participation in athletics, science laboratories, and home and career skills classes.

Students who violate this Standard of Dress shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item, and if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to comply shall be subject to discipline, up to and including school suspension. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.